ANNA WERNING’S STOR ORY Growing up in a Catholic household and attending Don Bosco, my early years were centered around tradition. I got baptized at 7, but honestly, I didn’t really understand the whole deal. After transferring to Waterloo Schools, my family kind of drifted away from the church scene. Then, in 2022, my younger sister expressed an interest in going back to church, leading us to Hope City Church. While my mom and sister eventually stopped going, I continued attending Sunday services. Pastor Q’s messages were engaging, but forming a deep connection with God remained a challenge. Things took a turn one August night when I joined the youth group at Hope City Future. The topic was forgiveness, and it struck a chord with me. During an activity where we wrote down our sins on index cards, crumpled them up, and let them go, I felt a sense of gratitude. Out of the blue, a girl named Hannah Smith, whom I had never met before, asked if she could pray for me. That moment marked a significant change, and I found myself having a heartfelt conversation with God. From that night on, I decided to wholeheartedly pursue my faith journey, even if it meant going to Sunday mornings alone and not having a religious family around. I made friends in the youth group and now attend with a friend, sitting in the front row, excited for the message and worship. The church community, including Pastor Q, Pastor Mason, and friends like Abby and Margaret, has become like a second family to me. The youth group played a crucial role, leading me to share my testimony and get baptized in 2023 with a deeper understanding of my commitment to God. My involvement in Hope City goes beyond Sunday mornings. I participate in Future on Wednesday nights, volunteer in Kid City, and contribute to events like Fall Fest. Serving on the worship team and undergoing vocal coaching with Infuse have added meaningful layers to my spiritual journey. Working with the kids in Kid City brings me joy, and witnessing their growth in their faith journey is incredibly rewarding. I’m truly grateful for the support and warmth of the Hope City Church family that has embraced me. It’s more than just a place of worship; it’s a home filled with love, growth, and authentic connections. ANNUAL REPORT 2023
21
